First Stage Collaborates with Local, Best-Selling Author to Stage Lovabye Dragon

MILWAUKEE, Wis (January 5, 2026) – First Stage presents Lovabye Dragon, an enchanting musical adventure based on the Dragon and Girl books by best-selling Wisconsin author Barbara M. Joosse. Running January 24 – February 15, 2026 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center’s Goodman Mainstage Hall, this show is the perfect introduction to theater for young audiences.

Originally developed by First Stage in 2016, Lovabye Dragon was adapted for the stage by First Stage Executive Artistic Director Jeff Frank in collaboration with author Barbara M. Joosse, featuring infectious music and lyrics by Nathan Meckel and Nashville children’s music group The Happy Racers.

This enchanting musical tells the story of an unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together, they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away—only to face their greatest challenge yet. Brought to life with an impressive 14-foot dragon puppet designed by Brandon Kirkham, Lovabye Dragon is sure to lift spirits and have audiences smiling, singing, and dancing along

“I started working on the musical with Jeff Frank a number of years ago, and it was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my whole career,” shared author Barbara Joosse. “I’ve written 58 books for children—a lot over my lifetime—and these are my favorites. They are full of magic and magic gives you hope that something can happen in the future, especially if you have a dragon for a best friend.”

All performances will feature interactive, hands-on lobby activities starting one hour before showtime. Led by First Stage teaching artists, these family-friendly experiences will include literacy adventures, STEM challenges, and sensory play—all designed to spark creativity and connection.

Directed by Marion Frank, the production features adult performers Christopher Feiereisen* as Troubadour, Bree Beelow* as Mother / Bad Hat, and Jesse Winberg as Father / Dragon. They will be joined by 10 young performers in two alternating five-person casts, continuing First Stage’s tradition of youth-focused theater. Full cast and creative team listed here.

“First Stage has always been my second home,” said Marion Frank. “I am delighted to be making my professional directing debut with Lovabye Dragon.”

Recommended for families with young people ages 3-8 and brave explorers of all ages. The show runs approximately 55 minutes with no intermission. Tickets can be purchased here. Prices range from $24 to $45 for most shows. The Pay What You Choose Performance is Friday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m., the Sensory Friendly Performance is Saturday, January 31 at 3:30 p.m., and the Sign Language Interpreted Performance is Sunday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.